TCK (Third Culture Kids) are children who spend a significant portion of their formative years in a country other than the one in which they hold a passport.  They often feel like a foreigner in their “passport” country as well as the country they grow up in.  I have been reading quite a bit about TCKs because God has called our family to live in a another culture, and as far as we can see, EB’s early childhood years will not be in the US.  When we return to the states 4 years from now, America will be the foreign land for her.  I think EB is going to be such a unique, awesome little girl because of growing up in a different culture.  She is going to be bi-lingual (English may not even be her heart language!) and creative and compassionate and world traveled. 

Even with all of the amazing things I think will come of being a TCK, I still cry when I walk through the toy section of target.  I read my friend’s blogs and see how their children get to spend time with their grandparents and how they celebrate birthdays and holidays with pomp and circumstance and extended family and I wonder if I am depriving my child or giving her advantages?  I imagine the day 4 years from now when we get off the plane and my 5 year old little girl will take her first steps on American soil.  (Unless she starts walking before Jan 6^th).  DB and I pray for our precious little girl that she will “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” and we pray for her safety and health as she grows up in a third world country where really good health care will be a plan ride away.  We struggle with God’s call on our lives – the very clear call to Central Asia – and how it affects our little girl who depends solely on us. 

Pray for EB that she will adjust to all of the change that is coming.  Pray that she become a believer very early in life, and desire to share Him with her friends and neighbors wherever we live!  Pray that lack of television and toys will not hinder any development, but encourage creativity and relationships.